April 16, 1930 May 24, 2013
April 16, 1930 -- May 24, 2013

James Loy Hairston

It has been said that joy is the source of a smile, but throughout the life of James Loy Hairston, his smile was the source of our joy. Jim, J.L., or "Daddio" as his grandchildren called him, will always be remembered for his infectious smile, sense of humor and the joy it eternalized in the hearts of all who knew him. The youngest of four siblings, Jim was born in Dallas on April 16, 1930 to W.H. "Barney" and Mary Louise Hairston. Surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren, he left this life to join his Heavenly Father in eternity on May 24, 2013. Jim graduated from Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas in 1948. and after serving his country in the U.S. Navy, he graduated in 1955 from SMU with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, he joined his father and brothers in the family business, Hairston Produce Co., one of the leading wholesale produce and frozen food distributors in the Dallas area. Jim dutifully worked at Hairston Produce Co. until 1983 when the company was sold. In 1987 he founded New Capital Funding, where he continued to work until the final weeks of his life. Jim served in numerous leadership positions, including president of the National Frozen Foods Association, national director of Ducks Unlimited, president of the DFW Factors Association, and was active in many civic and charitable organizations. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity while at SMU and also a member of the Calyx club. Jim was also a devout member of Christ the King Catholic Church throughout his life. Jim was a passionate golfer, and his children fondly remember the neighborhood putting tournaments he hosted at their family home on Pebblebook Drive. He participated in and won golf tournaments throughout his life, including the Preston Trail Member Guest Tournament with his best friend Jerry Hardison in 1980. A member of Royal Oaks Country Club, Glen Lakes Country Club, Dallas Athletic Club, and Bent Tree Country Club, his most beloved pasttime was golfing with his wife Rainey at some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. Jim will be fondly remembered as a loyal friend, an attentive and loving father, a proud grandfather and a doting husband. He is preceded in death by his brothers W.H. "Dub" Hairston and R.T. "Dick" Hairston and his daughter Angela. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Raynelle "Rainey" Johnson Hairston, his sister Mary Louise Doran, his brother-in-law Felix Doran, his daughters Beverly Lueckemeyer, Barbara Roberson, Mary Michael Lueckemeyer and Nancy Hairston, his sons James C., David and Tyler, his 13 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews A rosary service will be held Tuesday, May 28 at 7 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75225. Following a private burial, a memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, May 29 at 11 a.m. at Christ the King, with a reception afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, 12345 Inwood Rd., Dallas, TX 75244.